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Skeleton

Descriptions of Skeleton

Skeleton: the hard structure (bones and cartilages) that provides a frame for the body of an animal Source: WordNet 2.1

Article Excerpts about Skeleton

The skeleton provides an anchor point against which muscles, attached via tendons, can exert force. There are a number of diseases that are caused by defects in genes important for the formation and function of muscles, and connective tissues. (Connective tissue is a broad term that includes bones, cartilage and tendons.)

Summary Information: Skeleton

Skeleton:
The skeleton is made up of bones, cartilage and ligaments. The skeleton is a living structure and has a variety of functions. The skeleton creates a framework to support the body's weight, protects tissues and organs, and facilitates movement and store minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. The skeleton also contains bone marrow, which makes red blood cells and some types of white blood cells. The skeleton is held together by ligaments, forming joints.

Although there are individual differences in number, there are generally about 206 bones in the adult skeleton. The skeleton includes two groups of bones: bones the axial skeleton and bones of the appendicular skeleton. Conditions that afflict the skeleton include fractures, tumors, cancer, dislocations, Paget's disease, genetic disorders and osteoporosis.

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